A monocrystalline wafer production line in Baotou. [Photo/Baotou Daily]

Baotou has rapidly ascended to the forefront of China's renewable energy landscape. In 2022, it became the first city in the country with a photovoltaic (PV) industry output exceeding 100 billion yuan ($13.9 billion). By 2023, it had earned the title of world's green silicon capital, positioning its advanced PV industry as a powerful driver of industrial transformation and high-quality growth.

In 2024, Baotou implemented 55 crystalline silicon PV projects with a total investment of 114.8 billion yuan. As of now, 59.06 billion yuan has already been invested, surpassing the annual target. To further support the industry's green transition, the city has launched the only internationally certified carbon footprint service platform in western Inner Mongolia, piloting the platform's usage in the PV sector.

From January to September 2024, Baotou consumed 25.6 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of its PV products and helping local companies meet EU market standards. Once fully operational, the platform is expected to certify over 10 billion kWh of green electricity annually and reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 8.95 million metric tons. This aims to help companies avoid billions of yuan in carbon tariff costs, offering a strong economic incentive while enhancing global competitiveness.

With its growing PV capacity, integrated carbon services, and ambitious green targets, Baotou is building a global model for sustainable industrial growth.